Hoya lacunosa 'Estrella'

🌿 Hoya lacunosa 'Estrella', commonly known as Cinnamon Hoya or Estrella Hoya, belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a charming variety of the lacunosa species. Native to Southeast Asian tropical forests where it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches, this compact hoya has become a favourite among indoor plant enthusiasts for its delicate appearance and manageable size. With its small, diamond-shaped leaves and cascading growth habit, it's well-suited for beginners who want to start their hoya collection without feeling overwhelmed by care demands. Here's something interesting: the flowers of Hoya lacunosa actually smell like cinnamon and vanilla mixed together, releasing their sweet fragrance most intensely during evening hours.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This hoya produces vining stems that can trail or climb depending on how you support it. The leaves are small, about 1-2 centimetres long, with a distinctive diamond or spade shape that sets it apart from rounder-leafed hoyas. They appear in a deep green colour with subtle grey-green variations, and the surface has a slightly waxy, smooth texture typical of hoya plants. As the plant matures, the vines create a delicate, cascading effect perfect for hanging baskets or small trellises.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers emerge in small clusters called umbels, each containing 10-20 tiny star-shaped blooms. These fuzzy white flowers have burgundy or pink centres that create a beautiful contrast against the petals. The fragrance is the real standout feature—a warm blend of cinnamon and vanilla that becomes stronger at night and can fill a small room with sweetness. Hoya lacunosa blooms fairly reliably once established, often producing multiple rounds of flowers throughout spring and summer. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, let the plant become slightly root-bound in its pot, and avoid moving it once flower buds start forming since this can cause bud drop.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates medium light conditions. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch the delicate leaves.
💧 Water: Allow the top half of soil to dry between waterings during growing season (spring-summer). In fall and winter, wait until soil is almost completely dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. Bottom watering works well for hoyas.
🌡️ Humidity: Average home humidity of 40-50% is acceptable, though it appreciates 50-60% humidity which encourages more robust growth and flowering.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining chunky mix is essential. Combine orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir in equal parts. The soil should dry relatively quickly to prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Use a small pot with drainage holes, only 1-2 inches wider than the root ball. Terracotta or plastic both work fine. Hoyas prefer being slightly root-bound, so repot only every 2-3 years or when roots are severely crowded.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow. Expect 6-12 inches of new growth in the first year under good conditions. Over several years, vines can reach 3-4 feet long, though it remains relatively compact compared to other hoya species.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, Hoya lacunosa is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Hoya lacunosa 'Estrella' thrives in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where it can receive bright filtered light from an east or north-facing window. It's perfect for hanging planters near windows, placed on floating shelves, or trained up a small trellis on a desk or plant stand. Bathrooms with windows can work well due to the extra humidity from showers. Avoid placing it in low-light corners, directly in hot afternoon sun from west or south windows, or in drafty spots near heating vents or air conditioning units that create temperature fluctuations.
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